Other claimant countries in the Spratly Islands have far more modern facilities than the Philippines, a maritime domain patrol conducted
GMA News, which was onboard the patrol aircraft, said it found Barque Canada or “Maskardo Reef” occupied by Vietnam, teeming with activities with ships and trucks in what appears to be a reclamation project.
The Philippines claims nine areas including Ayungin Shoal. Vietnam occupies 38, China occupies 7 islands, Malaysia claims five, Brunei claims two islands, and Taiwan claims one. The Senate chief said the United States has already expressed support for the Philippine cause in the WPS, as have Australia, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and even the European Union.
He said the Philippines will never admit that it’s not capable of resupply missions without the help of other countries. Coast Guard Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said only a few Filipinos support and defend China’s aggressiveness towards the Philippines.